Fear grips Ugwuagba Obosi traders over collapsing security tower

Traders at Ugwuagba Obosi Electrical Market in Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State are living in fear due to a deteriorating security tower that has been abandoned for years. Despite multiple petitions to the Anambra State Urban Development Board (ASUDEB), no action has been taken, leaving the traders worried about potential disasters.

Chekwube Nwankwo, a trader at the market, expressed concerns about the looming danger posed by the three-storey tower. “If it collapses, it could cause significant loss of lives and properties,” Nwankwo stated.

Nwankwo mentioned his repeated pleas to three successive administrations to demolish the tower, but these have gone unheeded. His latest petition to ASUDEB has caused friction with the market leadership, who view his actions as undermining their authority.

According to Nwankwo, the current market administration, led by Chief John Onunkwo, cited lack of funds as the reason for not proceeding with the demolition. ASUDEB, however, has promised to demolish the tower by July 18, 2024, and has instructed traders to clear their wares from the vicinity to prevent damage.

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In response, market Chairman Onunkwo, through his deputy Chief Vincent Mgbike, acknowledged the tower’s poor condition but denied any threats to revoke Nwankwo’s shop allocation. Mgbike criticized previous administrations for the market’s financial woes and said that most expenditures rely on contributions from the executives.

Former market chairman Chief Innocent Muojekwu and Peace and Reconciliation Committee’s Chief Oguka Kamsochikwu also voiced their concerns, agreeing that the tower’s state is critical but pointing out the lack of funds for its demolition.

As the deadline set by ASUDEB approaches, the traders hope for a resolution to avert a potential catastrophe in the market.